Amir Khan says he has a “strong bond” with new trainer Joe Goossen ahead of his welterweight fight with Phil Lo Greco.
Khan takes on Canadian Lo Greco on April 21, live on Sky Sports, at the Echo Arena in Liverpool as he returns to the ring for the first time in almost two years.
Khan parted company with Virgil Hunter last month after the American trainer experienced undisclosed health problems.
Southern California-based Goossen has been working with Khan since late March and has previously trained Michael Nunn, brothers Rafael and Gabriel Ruelas, Joel Casamayor and the late Diego Corrales, who he helped defeat Jose Luis Castillo in 2005 with a 10th-round knockout to claim the WBC lightweight title.
Speaking about his relationship with Goossen, Khan said: “Joe’s getting me back in the groove again and helping me set the gameplan for this guy Lo Greco and hopefully I’ll put a good job on him.
“Obviously I feel bad for Virgil. He’s sick. I had to move quickly but I’m happy Joe came in to help and took the job on. It was a crucial time for me because I needed someone to help me.
“I thought Joe, with the experience he’s got in boxing and training fighters like Corrales and Casamayor, he knows how to work with my style and weight division. I think he’s a good match and I hope the fight goes well now.
“The bond is also strong. I see a big difference in my style already. I’m just looking forward to getting in the ring. It’s been a long time, I can’t wait. I’m itching to get in.”
Khan has arrived in his hometown Bolton to complete preparations for the fight, and Goossen says he “jumped at the opportunity” to work with Khan.
“Amir Khan is one of my favourite fighters to watch,” Goossen said. “I’m a fan too. I’ve had some great fighters but he’s right up there.
“We hit it off really well and trained very hard in the first week. I gave him a taste of what I do and he appreciated it. We’ve made a lot of progress in the past three weeks.”
